Good afternoon ,
The campaign for assisted dying has gone from strength to strength in 2020, despite it being a very challenging time for the whole country. Successes around the globe, such as New Zealand voting through its End of Life Choice Act in a landslide referendum, are yet more evidence of what we already know - that assisted dying laws are a sign of a progressive, compassionate society.
2020 has exposed the failures of the current law and this year we have heard the growing demand for law change louder than ever. Before the next General Election, the opportunity to change the law on assisted dying will likely be before Parliament once again. It is vital that MPs are engaged in this issue and take a stance based on evidence, informed by the lived experiences of dying people in the UK and the weight of public support for the issue.
As an MP I know there are often many issues competing for my colleagues’ attention at any given moment. The end of the year is a good time for us to take stock of what’s most important to our constituents. To make sure assisted dying gets the attention it needs it is important to remind your MP how important this issue is to you and what they can do to represent you.
Please write to your MP today asking them to read Dignity in Dying’s summary of 2020 which highlights the crucial evidence that demonstrates that the time is coming for new laws on assisted dying.
It’s important MPs are fully aware of the huge shift to support in medical opinion we saw in the British Medical Association’s survey, and are reminded of the impact of powerful personal stories that joined the national conversation this year.
I want to personally thank you for everything you’ve done for the campaign this year - whether you’ve donated, written to your MP with your personal experiences and opinions, met with your MP or shared our message on social media.
If you can do one more thing for the campaign before the end of the year, please make it this.
I hope you and yours have a lovely holiday break and I look forward to what 2021 brings.
Yours sincerely,
Karin Smyth MP
MP for Bristol South
Co-Chair, APPG for Choice at the End of Life
P.S. You can read Dignity in Dying’s 2020 campaign milestones as well as sending it on to your MP.
